Last updated on May 26th, 2025
To meet their daily commerce and administration needs, the ancient Romans developed Roman Numerals. They used a combination of seven symbols — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent numbers. Roman numerals were used to record transactions, keep track of data, and label military units. In this topic, we are going to learn about the Roman numeral DCXXXVI.
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. So to overcome the complexity, the Roman numeric system was developed. This was widely used throughout Europe as a standard writing system until the late Middle Ages.
Seven symbols are used to represent numbers in the Roman numeric system — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. The numerals are made up of different combinations of these symbols. DCXXXVI in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding the values of each Roman numeral, i.e. DCXXXVI = 636.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral DCXXXVI, how we write them, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.
When writing Roman numerals, there are a few rules that we need to follow based on the Roman numerals we are trying to write. In this section, we will learn about the rules when writing Roman numerals and how to represent them.
When a larger symbol is followed by a smaller symbol, we add the numerals to each other. For example, in VIII, we have 5 + 3 = 8.
A symbol that is repeated three times in continuation increases the value of the numeral. For example, XXX = 30.
We use the subtraction method when a smaller symbol precedes a larger symbol. For example, XL = 40 (which is 50 – 10).
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols, such as V, L, and D, cannot be repeated more than once. For example, 10 is represented as X and not VV.
Let us learn about how to write DCXXXVI in Roman numerals. There are two methods that we can use to write Roman numerals:
The breaking down of Roman numerals into parts and then converting them into numerals is what we call the expansion method. The expansion method involves breaking down Roman numerals into numerical form and adding them to get the final number.
Step 1: Break the Roman numerals into parts.
Step 2: Now write each of the Roman numerals with its numerical digit in the place value.
Step 3: Add the numerals together.
For DCXXXVI,
Step 1: First, we break the Roman numerals. DCXXXVI = D + C + X + X + X + V + I
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral D is 500 The Roman Numeral C is 100 The Roman Numeral X is 10 The Roman Numeral V is 5 The Roman Numeral I is 1
Step 3: Combine all the numbers D + C + X + X + X + V + I = 500 + 100 + 30 + 6 = 636. Therefore, the Roman Numeral DCXXXVI is 636.
Using subtraction and addition rules, we will apply the grouping method. This means we break the Roman numerals into smaller groups, which makes it easier to work with. This method groups the Roman numerals logically, and then we write the numbers for each group.
Step 1: Take the largest number and write the number for that Roman numeral.
Step 2: Write the Roman numeral using the subtraction and addition rules.
Example: Let’s take the Roman numeral DCXXXVI.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are D, C, XXX, and VI. The numeral for D is 500 The numeral for C is 100 The numeral for XXX is 30
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place.
Here we add VI to the previous numbers and we will get DCXXXVI. The Roman numeral VI is 6 Therefore, the numeral of DCXXXVI is 636.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.
If DCXXXVI represents the year 636 AD, what is the sum of the years when added to the Roman numeral CCCXIV? Write the answer in Roman numerals.
The sum is CML
Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal form:
DCXXXVI = 636
CCCXIV = 314
Now add both numbers: 636 + 314 = 950
Convert 950 into its Roman numeral: 950 = 900 (CM) + 50 (L) = CML
A Roman historian documented two events: one in the year DCXXXVI and another in the year CXXII. What is the difference between these years in Roman numerals?
The difference is DXIV
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal form:
DCXXXVI = 636
CXXII = 122
Subtract the numbers: 636 - 122 = 514
Convert 514 into its Roman numeral: 500 (D) + 10 (X) + 4 (IV) = DXIV
A Roman architect designed a structure that took DCXXXVI days to build. If the project was divided into 4 equal phases, how many days were spent on each phase? Write the answer in Roman numerals.
CLVIII
Convert DCXXXVI into its decimal form:
DCXXXVI = 636
Divide by 4: 636 / 4 = 159
Convert 159 into its Roman numeral: 100 (C) + 50 (L) + 9 (IX) = CLIX
A library has DCXXXVI ancient scrolls and plans to distribute them evenly into XXIX boxes. How many scrolls will each box contain? Write the answer in Roman numerals.
XXII
Convert DCXXXVI and XXIX into their decimal form:
DCXXXVI = 636
XXIX = 29
Divide the numbers: 636 / 29 = 22
Convert 22 into its Roman numeral: 20 (XX) + 2 (II) = XXII
Convert DCXXXVI into its decimal form.
In decimal form, DCXXXVI is 636
Break DCXXXVI into components:
D = 500
C = 100
XXX = 30 (X + X + X) VI = 6 (V + I)
Add values: 500 + 100 + 30 + 6 = 636
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.